Saturday in Detroit

Every time I leave Detroit and come back, I wonder why I left in the first place. Especially seeing the new growth, business and development— particularly outside the downtown/Midtown area— I have been very happy to see the city grow and really start to make steps to heal itself. And it help solve the problem I’ve had, about feeling a little out of sorts, since I’ve been back in Michigan from overseas.

When traveling, there’s two steps to re-adjusting: one is jet leg, which fades quickly enough. The other isn’t quite culture shock— it’s simply getting used to being back home again.

It’s not as simple as unpacking a suitcase. That’s easy: unfold your clothes, take your shampoo out of the travel bag. To sort through the new thoughts in your head takes a bit longer.

Spending time with good friends, and in familiar locations, helps, too. Particularly on a warm summer day in a city.

The sheds of Eastern Market.

First stop was Eastern Market: to pick up some basic veggies, to people watch, and to snag some brownies from Ethel’s Edibles (they do have a stand in the market!) Then, I discovered that Germack’s, in addition to great coffee and buts, makes a few kinds of gluten-free flour— and always happy to shop local, I picked up some hazelnut flour.

Germack’s gluten-free flour.

Afterward, I needed a late breakfast, so I made my way over to Corktown, to Brooklyn Street Local. I have been meaning to check this place out, and so glad I did. Big breakfast portions, and a treat that is usually off limits: poutine (great vegan cheese, and their mushroom gravy is gluten-free!) It’s light and airy inside, wonderful spot to stop and grab late breakfast or brunch after shopping at Eastern Market.

Tofu scramble with tempeh bacon, and a side of vegan, gluten-free poutine, at Brooklyn Street.

Afterward, it was time for some exploring, mainly checking out the new shops around Midtown, like Nora and City Bird. It was also a little bittersweet— Marwil’s Bookstore, where I worked during college, is gone, to be replaced by Sweet Lorraine’s Mac and Cheese.

Afterwards, I met up with a friend at the Detroit Historical Museum (which, if you’re into politics and Detroit history, is a great jumping-off point for political discussion!)

Detroit’s city flag.

Dinner was fun: we went to the all-vegan food truck Shimmy Shack, which I’ve been meaning to try. The food was delightful: flavorful, satisfying chickpea burger, crispy fries (and sweet potatoes ones available!) And yes, everything was gluten-free.

Vegan nachos and sweet potato fries, courtesy of Shimmy Shack.

The day ended with a late-night coffee at Great Lakes Coffee in midtown— a modern, airy place, with super friendly bartenders and an interesting drink menu. And while I felt more at home, seeing Detroit and it’s development always makes me ponder. I won’t stay away so long next time.